Ask Frank DaignaultFrank Daignault is recognized as an authority on surf fishing for striped bass. He is the author of six books and hundreds of magazine articles. Frank is a member of the Outdoor Writers of America and lectures throughout the Northeast.

Again, this year, I will be keeping track of fifty-pounders caught between Maryland and Northern Maine. When reporting include as much information known in order to prevent any double reporting that might happen. Angler name, striper weight, date of catch, boat or surf, info source. Of course you could be limited by what little you know; just do the best you can.

Last years count, with the helpful reporting of our members here, came out to 40 stripers over 50.

Saw pix of that fish. Wow it looked big !
Guy was crucified on FB for being a killer. That after working something like 30 minutes to get her in. I heard that he tried to revive it but after that fight the fish was spent.

Frank, do you have any historical records of the largest surf caught fish per year from NJ-ME? 58.....I would think that fish has a shot at being the largest taken from terra firma all year.

Yes, my records go back a ways. Without knowing what is in my records, I know the McReynolds 70+ held for a while. And there was another but there have also been some shananigans. I don't want to dig in my files, it being hunting season and all right now. Yes, this 58 could be top surf fish for 2018.

I have trouble when there are no specifics on who caught how much. many outfitters exaggerate their success for business reasons. Sure the fish looked big but so doesn't a 49- pounder. Thanks anyway, I split the difference with my counting.

I have trouble when there are no specifics on who caught how much. many outfitters exaggerate their success for business reasons. Sure the fish looked big but so doesn't a 49- pounder. Thanks anyway, I split the difference with my counting.

known total is up to four over fifty.

I get it, but Mark Deblasio does not need the business. He's runs what's probably the most successful charter operation in New Jersey.

A friend just showed me a picture of a bass that weighed 59...and change(!)caught at night, on an eel, near Block Island, on his friend Doc Z's boat. My friend fishes on Doc's boat a few times in the spring...bloodworms for bass...LOTS of bass...and usually a few 40"+ fish. Doc fishes Block after the Hudson run. His name shows up occassionally on other sites. This one is real...